Loader machine



Dec. 28, 1954 E. M. MCELHINNEY ET AL 2,693,105

LOADER MACHINE 4 Shee'ts-Shegt 1 Filed Dec. 14, 1951 Eric in. 22: 57/72 Dec. 28, 1954 E. M. MGELHINNEY ET AL 2,6

LOADER MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 14, 1951 Dec. 28, 1954 MQELHINNEY ET AL 2,698,106

LOADER MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 14, 1951 Dec. 28, 1954 E, MQELHINNEY ET AL 2,698,106

LOADER MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 14, 1951 Eric Wzwdoz United States Patent LOADER MACHINE E. M. McElhinney, Dysart, and Theodore A. Podhajsky, Traer, Iowa Application December 14, 1951, Serial No. 261,646

4 Claims. (Cl. 214-141) This invention relates generally to loading machines and in particular to a mechanism for extending and contracting a telescoping lift boom formed as part of a loading attachment for a tractor.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved loader attachment for a tractor.

A further object of this invention is to provide a loading machine in which a pivoted telescoping lift boom is retained at substantially the same length on a movement from a lowered position to a horizontal position therefor, and is then quickly extended on movement upwardly from a horizontal position.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a loading machine in which a pivoted telescoping lift boom is extended on movement upwardly from a horizontal position therefor, and with the rate of extension being gradually decreased as the lift boom approaches its uppermost raised position.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a loader attachment for a farm tractor which is of a simple and compact construction, capable of being easily and quickly assembled with and removed from a tractor by one man, efiicient in operation to project a load forwardly of the tractor concurrently with a lifting of the load for dumping purposes, and relatively assembled on the tractor to afford full visibility to the tractor operator and a normal maneuverability of the tractor.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a tractor illustrated in assembly relation with the loader attachment of this invention, with certain parts being broken away to more clearly show such assembly;

Fig. 2 is a view taken substantially along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1 showing the assembly on the tractor frame of the apparatus for raising and lowering the loader boom and the mechanism for telescoping the loader boom, with all other parts of the tractor being removed for the purpose of clarity;

Fig. 3 is in an enlarged foreshortened sectional view taken along the line 33 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view with certain parts broken away of the mechanism for telescoping the loader boom;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional detail view taken along the line 5-5 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged foreshortened side elevational view of a lift arm which forms part of the loader boom for the loader attachment;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the pivotal support for a lift frame, taken substantially along line 77 in Fig. 2, with certain parts broken away and shown in section for clarity;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a tractor and loader attachment assembly illustrated similarly to Fig. 1, showing a modified form of mechanism for telescoping the loader boom;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view with certain parts broken away of the mechanism shown in Fig. 8 for telescoping the loader booms;

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of a tractor and the loader attachment assembly illustrated similarly to Fig. 8 showing yet another modified form of mechanism for telescoping the loader boom; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view with certain parts broken away of the mechanism shown in Fig. 10 for telescoping the loader boom.

With reference to the drawings the loader of this invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 in assembly relation with a tractor having a main frame 20, a rear axle 21, rear drive wheels 22 and front steering wheels 23.

The loader includes a pair of telescoping booms 24 arranged lengthwise at opposite sides of the tractor, and each boom 24 is operatively associated with a corresponding lift frame 26 and mechanism 27 for telescoping a boom. Since the construction and assembly of a boom 24 with a corresponding lift frame 26 and boom telescoping mechanism 27 is the same in all respects, only one of such assemblies will be described in detail.

A boom 24 includes a lift arm 28 (Figs. 1, 5 and 6) of a bar construction, the rear end of which carries a bearing block 36 which is pivotally supported at 37 on a bracket 38 mounted on the tractor rear axle 21. The lift arm or bar 28 has transversely spaced forward extensions 31 between which is mounted an upright roller 32 of a diamgger greater than the vertical dimension of the lift arm A telescoping member 41 (Figs. 4 and 5) for a boom 24 is of a square tubular construction and of a longer length than a corresponding lift arm 28. The telescoping member 41 is slipped over the front end of the arm 28, and then moved.rearwardly thereon, in a position such that the side members 42 of the telescoping member 41 are arranged at angles of about forty-five degrees relative to the sides 33 of the lift arm 28. As a result the roller 32 is located in a plane which bisects the top and bottom corners or angles 43 and 43a of the telescoping member, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 5, with the outer peripheral surface of the roller 32 being of a shape as indicated at 44, so as to be in riding engagement with the side members 42 at the angles 43 and 43a. A telescoping member 41 is thus movable longitudinally of a lift arm 28 in bearing engagement with the roller 32. By virtue of the peripheral surface 44 of the roller 32 being in bearing engagement with the side members 42 forming the angles 43 and 43a, the telescoping member 41 is held against rotational movement relative to the lift arm 28.

Projected rearwardly from the rear end 40 of a telescoping member 41, is a tubular extension 34, of a square shape in transverse cross section, which carries a pair of vertically spaced rollers 35 for riding engagement with opposite sides 45 of the lift arm 28 (Figs. 5 and 6). As a result, therefore, of the bearing engagement of the roller 32 with the telescoping member 41 at the angles 43 and 43a and the bearing engagement of the rollers 35 with the sides 45 of the lift arm 28, the telescoping member 41 is positively maintained, at any moved position therefor, in longitudinal alignment with the lift arm 28.

The front end 46 of a telescoping member 41 (Figs. 1 & 4) terminates in a flat plate member 47, with a scoop or material handling unit 48 being pivotally supported at 49 between the plate members 47 for up and down pivotal movement. A cylinder assembly 50 pivotally connected at 51 to a telescoping member 41, and at 52 to the scoop 48 controls the pivotal movement of the scoop and also functions to hold the scoop in a pivotally moved position, in a well known manner. Oil under pressure is supplied to the assembly 50 through a fluid line 53, from a pump unit indicated at 54.

It is seen, therefore, that a boom 24 has its rear end pivoted at 37 to the tractor rear axle 21 for up and down movement of the scoop 48, which is carried between the front ends of the booms 24. An up and down movement of a boom 24 is accomplished by the provision of a lift frame 26, which is of a substantially triangular shape and extended longitudinally alongside of the tractor frame 20 to the inside of a corresponding boom. The lift frame 26 (Figs. 4 and 7) is comprised of tubular side sections 56 and 57 joined together to form an apex 60 at the front end of the lift frame 26. The base section 58 of the lift frame 26 is of a bar construction and extends generally in an up and down direction at the rear end of the lift frame.

Projected forwardly from opposite ends of the base section 58 are pins 59 and 61 (Fig. 7) for receiving in supported engagement, respectively, the rear ends 62 and 63 of the lift frame side sections 56 and 57. By inserting a cotter key 64 through the rear end 62 of the upper side section 56 and its corresponding supporting pin 5% the side sections 56 and 57 are positively held in assembly relation with the base section 53, and are removed as a unit from the base section 58 on removal only of the cotter key 64.

The lift frame 26 is pivotally supported for up and down movement of its front end 60 on a pivot pin 66 extended through the upper end of the base section 53 (Pig. 7) and carried in a tractor mounting plate 6'7 and a bearing plate 68 which comprise a bifurcated construetion at the forward end of a mounting bracket 69.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2 it is seen that the mounting bracket 69 is of an irregular shape and from its forward end has a front portion 73 which extends downwardly and inwardly below the tractor frame 20, and a rear portion ill which extends upwardly and rearwardly and terminates in a tractor mounting portion 72. A pair of brackets 6% are arranged opposite each other transversely of the tractor frame 26, at positions forwardly of the tractor rear axle 21, with the mounting plates 67 and mounting portions 72 being secured as by bolts 74- and 76, respectively, to the tractor frame 26. The pivots 66 for the lift frames 26 project laterally outwardly from a corresponding mounting plate 67 so as to extend transversely of the tractor frame 26. The lift frames 26 are thus arranged at opposite sides of the tractor and to the inside of corresponding loader booms 24.

Positioned below the tractor frame (Figs. 1 and 2) and between the junctions 76 of the inclined portions 76 and 73 of the brackets 69 is a transverse shaft 77 for rotatably supporting a tubular bearing 78 which is suitably secured to the rear end 79 of a longitudinally extended hydraulic cylinder 81. A piston 82 movable outwardly from the front end of the cylinder 81 has a transverse tubular bearing 83 at its free or working end which is rotatably supported on a transverse shaft 84. The

bearing 83 is maintained against movement axially of the shaft 84 by lock washers 86, with the opposite ends of the shaft 84- being suitably secured, as by welding, to the lower ends of the base sections 58 of the lift frames 26. Oil under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 31 from the pump unit 54 through a fluid line 86. Thus, on extension of the piston 82 the lift frames 26 are pivotally moved or rocked in an up and down direction relative to the pivots 66.

Secured to the front end of each lift frame 26 is a plate member 88 (Figs. 3 and 4). A transverse shaft 89 extends through the plates 88 so that its opposite ends 91 project laterally outwardly from the plates Each end 91 of the shaft 89 rotatably supports a t -pulley 92 for receiving in the peripheral groove thereof the lower angle or corner 43a of a telescoping member 41. pulley 22 thus functions to movably engage and support a corresponding telescoping member 41.,

Positioned on a shaft end 91, to the outside of a pulley 92 is a tubular bearing 93 which has welded thereto a slide bearing 94- which extends transversely of the shaft 89. The bearing 93 is maintained on a shaft end 91 by a washer and cotter key assembly indicated at 96. Slidable within the slide bearing 94 is a guide rod 97 which extends longitudinally of a corresponding telescoping member 41 and is secured in a spaced relation to such telescoping member at a position to the outside thereof.

Thus on up and down pivotal movement of a lift frame 26 a boom 24 is concurrently raised and lowered by virme of the movable support of a telescoping member 41% on a roller 92, and with the roller 92 being located adjacent to the front end 46 of the telescoping member 41, when the boom 24 is in a lowered position therefor.

The control mechanism 27, for moving a telescoping member 41 in response to an up and down pivotal movement of the lift frame 26 includes a rear longitudinally extended operating link 10]. (Figs. 1 and 4) which is pivotally supported at its rear end on a transverse pivot 102 secured to and projected laterally inwardly from the extension member 34 at the rear end 40 of a telescoping member 41. A front guide link 103 has its front end pivotally supported on a transverse pivot 164 which is carried in a bracket 106 secured to the front end of the tractor frame 20. The links 101 and 103 are arranged in an end to end relation and have their adjacent ends pivotally connected together by a transverse pivot 107.

It is seen, therefore, that the links 161 and 163 consti' tute what might be termed a hinge assembly which is foldable in an up and down direction between the pivots 102 and 104. A longitudinally extended actuating link 103 has its front end pivotally connected to a transverse pivot 109 carried on the top side section 56 of a lift frame 26, at a position intermediate the ends of the side section 56, and its rear end pivoted on the pivot or hinge connection 107 for the links 161 and 163.

With the boom 24 in a lowered position therefor, as shown in full lines in Fig. 1, the links 161 and 103 are in substantial longitudinal alignment, with the pivot it located adjacent to the pivot support 66 for the lift frame 26. At this lowered position of the boom the actuating link 108 is extended downwardly and forwardly from the pivot 107. On upward movement of the lift frame 26 from its full line position in Fig. l to its dotted line position, indicated at B in the same figure, the hinge connection or pivot 167 is moved upwardly. By virtue of the fixed pivotal support of the forward end of the front guide link 103 on the tractor 26, the rear operating link 161 is moved forwardly, to in turn move the telescoping member 41 forwardly relative to its supporting lift arm 23. However, this movement of the boom 24 from its full line position to its horizontal dotted line position shown at B, results in only a slight upward movement of the pivot 107 so that the overall length of the boom 24 remains substantially the same between a horizontal position and a lowered position therefor. Thus for the transport of any material carried in the scoop 4-8, load is maintained adjacent to the front end of the tractor.

On a continued upward movement of the boom 24 from its horizontal position indicated at B in Fig. 1, to its raised position shown in dotted lines at C in Fig. '1, the upward movement of the hinge connection 167 is accelerated, to in turn provide for an accelerated forward movement of the link 101 and in turn of the telescoping member 41. However, due to the relative arrangement of the links 101, 103 and 108 the rate of forward movement of the telescoping member 41, is decreased as the boom 24 approaches its upper position indicated at C.

The mechanism 27 thus functions to maintain the length of the boom 24 substantially constant on movement of the boom from its lower position to a horizontal position therefor, and then moves the telescoping member 41 forwardly at a relatively rapid rate, which rate de creases as the boom 24 approaches its raised position shown at C. This extension of the boom 24 in its raised position provides for the location of the scoop 3 at an elevation and at a position forwardly of the tractor, such that material can be dumped into a wagon or the like, without interference of the wagon with the scoop 43 or the tractor.

it is to be noted that the length of a boom 24 in a lowered position, is defined by the length of the telescoping member 41, so that the extensions 34 at the rear end 48 of the telescoping member 41 is in abutting engagement with the mounting bracket or bearing 36 at the rear end of the lift arm 28. Thus during the loading of the scoop 48, as by a bucking operation, the bucking force is transmitted from the telescoping member 41 directly to the tractor rear axle 21 through the boom pivotal support 37.

With reference to Figs. 8 and 9 there is shown a modified form of the boom telescoping mechanism 27 illustrated in Fig. 7. Since the remaining structure of the loader attachment, is in all respects identical wih that described in connection with Fig. 1, similar numerals of reference will be used to designate like parts.

The boom telescoping mechanism 27a (Figs. 8 and 9) includes a rear operating link 1315 having its rear end pivoted at 116 to the rear end 411 of the telescoping member 41. A forward or guide link 117 has its front end pivoted at 118 to the front end of the tractor frame 26, which front end terminates in a rock arm 11) The adjacent ends of the links and 117 are pivotally connected together at 121 for an up and down hinged movement. A longitudinally extended actuating member 122 has its forward end pivotally connected at 123 to the free end of the rock arm 119, and its rear end pivotally connected at 124 to a rock arm 126 mounted on the lift frame 26 for rockable movement relative to the lift frame pivot 66.

When the boom 24 is in its lowered position shown in full lines in Fig. 8 the links 115 and 117 are in substantial longitudinal alignment and the rock arm 119 is extended downwardly and forwardly from the pivot support 118 for the forward link 117. For this lowered position of the boom 24 the actuating link 122 and rock arm 126 are in substantial longitudinal alignment, with Elke pivot 124 located forwardly of the lift frame pivot sponding lift arm 28.

When the boom 24 is moved to its upper position shown in dotted lines at D in Fig. 8, the operating or rear link 115 is substantially parallel to the boom 24, while the forward or guide link 117 is extended upwardly and rearwardly.

Yet another modified form of the boom telescoping mechanism is shown in Figs. and 11, with like members again being used to designate" like parts relative to the loader attachment described in connection with Fig. l. The boom telescoping mechanism 27b (Figs. 10 and 11) includes a longitudinally extended rear or operating link 130 which has its rear end pivoted at 131 to the rear end 40 of the telescoping member 41. A longitudinally extended forward or guide link 132 has its front end pivotally supported at 133 on the front end of the tractor 20 and which front end terminates in a rock arm 134. An actuating arm 136 has its front end pivoted at 137 to the free end of the rock arm 134, and its rear end pivoted at 135 to the lower end of the base section 58 of the lift frame 26. The adjacent ends of the front and rear links 130 and 132 are pivoted together at 138 for an up and down hinging movement.

When the boom 24 is in its lowered position, shown in full lines in Fig. 10, the links 130 and 132 are in substantial longitudinal alignment with the pivot connection 138 located forwardly of the pivot support 66 for the lift frame 26. The rock arm 134 is extended upwardly and rearwardly from the pivot support 133, and the actuating link 136 is extended downwardly and rearwardly from its pivot connection 137 with the rock arm 134. On upward movement of the boom 24 from its lowered position shown in full lines, to its horizontal position, indicated at E in Fig. 10, the rock arm 134 is moved forwardly by the actuating link 136, to in turn provide for an upward movement of the pivot connection 138, and a forward movement of the operating link 130 whereby the telescoping member 41 is moved forwardly relative to its lift arm 28.

at F in Fig. 10, the operating link 130 is in a substantially parallel relation with the telescoping member 41, the guide link 132 is in a substantially upright position, and the rock arm 134 is extended upwardly and forwardly.

Relative to both of the modified forms of the boom telescoping mechanisms 27a and 27b, shown in Figs. 8 and 10, respectively, it is seen that the boom 24 is maintained at a substantially constant length during its movement from a lowered position to a horizontal position, and is then extended at an accelerated rate from its horizontal position to its upper position, and with the rate of extension being decreased as the upper position therefore is approached.

By virtue of the assembly of the side sections 56 and 57 (Fig. 7) of the lift frame 26 with the base section 58 by insertion only of the cotter key 64, the lift frames 26 are readily dismantled when the loader attachment is to be removed and the tractor operated or used for other farm duties. Thus on removal of the cotter key 64 the side sections 56 and 57 are removable as a unit by one man. Then by removing the pivotal support on the tractor 20 for the boom telescoping mechanisms 27, 27a or 27b, and the pivot pin 37 which supports the boom 24 on the tractor rear axle 21, the boom 24, scoop 48 and boom telescoping mechanism are taken as a unit from the tractor. The cylinder assembly 8182, mounting brackets 69, and the base sections 58 of the lift When the boom 24 is in its raised position, indicated 6 frames 26, are maintained permanently on the tractor: without interfering with its normal maneuverability. It, is thus apparent that the loader attachment can be re-= moved from, or assembled with, the tractor with a minimum of time and effort.

Although the invention has been described with respect to several forms thereof it is to be understood that it is not to be so limited since changes can be made therein which are within the full intended scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims. a

We claim:

1. A loading machine including a portableframe, a telescoping boom disposed lengthwise alongside of the portable frame and pivotally supported at its rear end thereon for up and down movement of its forward end, said boom including a telescoping member, a lift frame pivotally supported at one end on said portable frame for up and down movement of the free end thereof, said free end being in movable supporting engagement with said telescoping member, means for moving said lift frame to raise and lower said boom, means for moving said telescoping member in response to a movement of said lift frame, including a hinged assembly of two links extended longitudinally of the portable frame for pivotal movement in an upright plane, means pivotally connecting the rear end of said assembly to said telescoping member, other means pivotally connecting the front end of said assembly to said portable frame, said links being in substantial longitudinal alignment when said boom is in a lowered position, and an actuating means movably connected to one of said two links and to said lift frame.

2. A loading machine including a portable frame, a telescoping boom disposed lengthwise alongside of the portable frame and piovtally supported at its rear end thereon for up and down movement of its forward end, said boom including a telescoping member, a lift frame pivotally supported at one end on said portable frame for up and down movement of the free end thereof, said free end being in movable supporting engagement with said telescoping member, means for moving said lift frame to raise and lower said boom, means for moving said telescoping member in response to a pivotal movement of said lift frame including a hinge structure extended longitudinally of said portable frame and having the rear end thereof pivoted to said telescoping member and the front end thereof pivoted to said portable frame so as to be folded and unfolded in an upright plane, said hinge structure being unfolded with the hinge connection thereof adjacent to the pivotal support for said lift frame when the boom is in a lowered position, and an actuating link movably connected at one end to said hinge connection and at the other end thereof to said lift frame, said actuating link being inclined downwardly and forwardly from said hinge connection when said boom is in a lowered position.

3. A loading machine including a portable frame, a telescoping boom disposed lengthwise alongside of the portable frame and pivotally supported at its rear end thereon for up and down movement of its forward end, said boom including a telescoping member, a lift frame pivotally supported at one end on said portable frame for up and down movement of the free end thereof, said free end being in movable supporting engagement with said telescoping member, means for moving said lift frame to raise and lower said boom, means for moving said telescoping member in response to a pivotal movement of said lift frame including a pair of links arranged end to end longitudinally of said portable frame, means pivotally supporting the rear one of said links on said telescoping member, other means pivotally supporting the front end of the forward one of said links on said portable frame, an upwardly extended rockarm on the front end of said forward link, means pivotally connecting together the adjacent ends of said pair of links for foldable movement of said links toward and away from each other in an upright plane, and an actuating member pivoted at one end to said rockarm and at the other end thereof to said lift frame, said pair of links being in substantial longitudinal alignment and said actuating member being inclined downwardly and rearwardly from said rockarm, when said boom is in a lowered position.

4. A loading machine including a portable frame, a telescoping boom disposed lengthwise alongside of the 7 portable frame and pivot'ally supported at its rear end thereon for up and 'down movement of its forward end, said boom including a telescoping member, a lift frame 'pivotally supported--at oneend on :said portable frame for up and down movement of the free end thereof, said free end being'in movable supporting engagement withsaid telescopingmember, means for moving'said lift frame toraise-and-lower said boomgmeans for'moving-said telescopingmember'in'response to the movement of said-lift frame including-apair of links arranged end to end longitudinally of said portable-frame, a pivot means for hinging together the adjacent ends'of said links, with the rear end of the rear one of said links being pivotally connected to said telescoping member,-and the=front end of the forward one of said links being pivotally-supported on-said tractor, a rockarm'on the :forward end ofsaidiront link, a second rock arm on said lift -frame movable about an axis coincident with-'the pivotalsupport-therefor, and an actuating link having-the ends'thereof pivotally connected to said rock arms, said pair'of links being insubstantial longitudinal alignment, said first rock arm inclined forwardly and downwardly and said second rock armtextended forward- 1y,-when said boom is-in a lowered position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re.-23-,466 M'cElhinney et'al Mar. 4, 1952 2;449,l60 Castle Sept. 14, 1948 2,471,639 McElhinney May 31,- 1949 

